I first read In the springtime of the year by Susan Hill while at secondary school, for my English literature list. I enjoyed it then, although at the time I could not fully comprehend this tale of loss, grief and acceptance. Since then, I’ve reread it twice. And in a subtle way, came to find different layers in the book.
I love it. It is a beautiful book. Not necessarily because of the story line – however close to the author’s own experience. In a way, for me, it could have been any story line. This book has taken me by its description, its picture of grief and desperation, followed by hope and then being thrown back into a deep hopelessness. Of wanting to be alone, detached from everything and everybody, because people don’t understand. Finding no consolation in their words, in their presence. They don’t know. And yet, somehow they do. And in your deepest sorrow, you need other people.
So, the story line is carried by the personal experience of the author. To me, this experience has given its voice to a powerful, forceful elaboration of the theme of loss and grief. A unique and at the same time universal voice. The thoughts in this book are familiar to my own thoughts, even though I have not yet encountered such a great loss. When you love, you know loss – or at least the fear of loss. When you live, you know grief.
Still, there is hope, even in the most hopeless moments. I love the connection with Easter in the book, however cliché it might seem. I think the author has woven it delicately into the tale. Such a deep truth lies within. Easter is about coming to terms with death. Life is ended by death and yet, moves beyond it.
There is this urge to give meaning to things that happen in life. And Ruth, the main character, ends up finding no meaning at all. Should there be a meaning to death? Other than death being part of life?
To love and to be loved. That is life moving beyond death.